BMW and Toyota have announced their plan to co-develop lithium-ion batteries. Their new research project will focus on “increasing the performance and capacity of lithium-ion battery cells through the use of new combinations of materials for cathodes, anodes and electrolytes.”
This is not the first-time the German and Japanese car makers have worked together. In late 2011, an agreement was forged between the two companies whereby BMW will, beginning in 2014, supply efficient 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter diesel engines to Toyota.
The beneficiaries of the latest tie-up will most certainly be BMW’s new i Series and ActiveHybrid lineups and Toyota’s Prius and hybrid models.
